Rally for Gay Teacher at Steps of Diocese

By Denise Alex
Nbc4i
May 4, 2013

http://www.nbc4i.com/story/22159796/rally-for-gay-teacher-at-steps-of-diocese?fb_comment_id=fbc_368181259969756_1802416_368451009942781#fa17d41bc

[with video]

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Supporters of a teacher fired because of her relationship with another woman violates the teachings of the Catholic Church took their message to the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

"I think that she realizes what we're doing here is bigger than any of us as individuals. What we're doing here today (Friday) has the potential to impact policy," says Amanda Finelli, creator of HaleStorm Ohio.

Dozens rallied in front of the building on Gay Street, wanting Carla Hale to get her job back.

The 57-year-old lost her job when a parent of a Bishop Watterson student alerted the church to an obituary which named Hale's partner.

This week, Hale filed a grievance with the city hoping it's anti-discrimination ordinance could be her saving grace.

The group Anonymous joined in the afternoon rally. Together, the groups want the Catholic Church to change what they consider to be discriminatory ways.

"The Catholic church is just doing what it always does saying the same thing it's been say for 2 millenniums," said supporter Paul Keareney, of Columbus.

Signs in hand, chants for change and honks from motorists; Carla Hale's supporters want her to get her job back after 19 years of teaching at Bishop Watterson High School.

"If she is not reinstated we will find what we need to find," said a member of Anonymous to NBC4's Denise Alex.

"Bishop Watterson is 100 percent behind her and the Bishop left Watterson hanging out to dry," proclaimed Paulette Cadmus, whose daughter had Hale as a teacher.

For weeks, NBC4 has wanted and waited to hear from the Diocese. Friday, NBC4's Denise Alex gave it another go asking to speak to anyone including the Bishop.

A person on the other end of the building's intercom system responded, "I'm sorry I can't get you in contact with anyone and I can't let you into my building."

Minutes after getting that intercom message, a priest walked out of the building, not to talk with NBC4's Denise Alex or any of the dozens rallying support for Carla Hale.

"The way she was treated was terrible for a Christian organization. I'm ashamed to be a Catholic. I'm ashamed of what the Bishop did," said Robert Kohan, of Columbus.

Contact: dalex@wcmh.com